Disclaimer This document is not the official ‘FEMA: Are Your
Ready?’ guide. This is a student project that utilizes one section
from the original guide for study within in a typographic class.
This document should not be used for citizen preparedness.

1

Are You Ready?

2

1
1.1 Getting Informed

BASIC
PREPARDNESS
In this part of the guide, you will learn preparedness strategies
that are common to all disasters. You plan only once,and are
able to apply your plan to all types of hazards.

When you complete Part 1, you will be able to:

Get informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family.
Develop an emergency plan.
Collect and assemble disaster supplies kit.
Learn where to seek shelter from all types of hazards.
Identify the community warning systems and evacuation routes.
Include in your plan required information from community and school plans.
Learn what to do for specifi c hazards.
Practice and maintain your plan.

3

Are You Ready?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

1.1 Getting Informed

3

1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

10

1.3 Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

19

1.4 Shelter

24

1.5 Hazad – Specific Prepardness

30

1.6 Practicing and Mantaining Your Plan

31

1.1 Getting Informed

1.1

GETTING
INFORMED

Learn about the hazards that may strike your community, the risks you face from
these hazards, and your communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for warning and evacuation. You can
obtain this information from your local emergency management office or your
local chapter of the American Red Cross. Space has been provided here to record
your answers.

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Are You Ready?

HAZARDS
Ask local authorities about each possible hazard or emergency and use the worksheet that
follows to recorwd your findings and suggestions for reducing your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk.

You also can consult FEMA for hazard maps for your area. Go to www.fema.gov, select
maps, and follow the directions. National hazard maps have been included with each natural hazard in Part 2 of this guide.

WARNING

SYSTEMS AND SIGNALS

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) can address the entire nation on very short notice in
case of a grave threat or national emergency. Ask if your local radio and TV stations participate in the EAS.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) is a
nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly
from a nearby National Weather Service office to specially confi guredNOAA weather radio
receivers. Determine if NOAA Weather Radio is available where you live. If so, consider
purchasing a NOAA weather radio receiver.

5

Are You Ready?

Ask local authorities about methods used to warn your community.

Warning System

What Should We Do?

EAS

NOAA Weather Radio

EVACUATING
YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the
public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens
or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which
you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home,
school, or workplace to avoid these situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather
condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get
ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic
necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.

Evacuation: More Common than You Realize
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their
homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along
the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

6

1.1 Getting Informed

Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes.
Record your specific evacuation route directions in the space provided.
Is there a map available with evacuation
routes marked?
Yes

No

Evacuation Guidlines:
Always

If Time Permits

Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation
seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during
emergencies and unable to pump gas during power
outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce
congestion and delay.

Gather your disaster
supplies kit.

Make transportation arrangements with friends or
your local government if you do not own a car.
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local
evacuation instructions.
Gather your family and go if you are instructe to
evacuate immediately.
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by
severe weather.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not
take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges.
Do not drive into flooded areas.

Wear sturdy shoes and
clothing that provides some
protection, such as long
pants, long – sleeved shirts,
and a cap.
Secure your home. Close
and lock doors and windows. Unplug electrical
equipment, such as radios
and televisions, and small
appliances, such as toasters
and microwaves. Leave
freezers and refrigerators
plugged in unless there is a
risk of flooding.
Let others know where you
are going.

Stay away from downed power lines.

9

Always
Are You Ready?

COMMUNITY

EMERGENCY PLANS

Ask local officials the following questions about your community’s
disaster/ emergency plans:
Does my community have a plan?

Yes

No

Can I obtain a copy?

Yes

No

What does the plan contain?
How often is it updated?
What should I know about
the plan?
What hazards does it cover?
In addition to finding out about your community’s plan, it is important that you know what
plans are in place for your workplace and your children’s school or day care center.
1. Ask your employer about workplace policies regarding disasters and emergencies, including understanding how you will be provided emergency and
warning information.
2. Contact your children’s school or day care center to discuss their
disaster procedures.

SCHOOL

EMERGENCY PLANS

Know your children’s school emergency plan:
1. Ask how the school will communicate with families during a crisis.
2. Ask if the school stores adequate food, water, and other basic supplies.
3. Find out if the school is prepared to shelter-in-place if need be, and where they plan
to go if they must get away.

10

1.1 Getting Informed

In cases where schools institute procedures to shelter-in-place, you may not be permitted
to drive to the school to pick up your children. Even if you go to the school, the doors will
likely be locked to keep your children safe. Monitor local media outlets for announcements
about changes in school openings and closings, and follow the directions of local
emergency officials.
For more information on developing emergency preparedness plans for schools, please log
on to the U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov/emergencyplan.

WORKPLACE

EMERGENCY PLANS

If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan that is
regularly practiced.
1. Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to
determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential
contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
2. Think about what to do if your employees canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go home.
3. Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.

11

EMERGENCY
PLANNING +
CHECKLISTS
Are You Ready?

1.2

Now that you’ve learned about what
can happen and how your community
is prepared to respond to emergencies, prepare your family by creating
a family disaster plan. You can begin
this process by gathering family members and reviewing the information
you obtained in Section 1.1 ( hazards,
warning systems, evacuation routes
and community and other plans).
Discuss with them what you would
do if family members are not home
when a warning is issued. Additionally, your family plan should address
the following:

12

• Escape routes
• Caring for animals
• Safety Skills
• Special needs
• Insurance and vital records
• Family communications
• Utility shut-off and safety
Information on these family planning
considerations are covered in the
following sections.

1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

ESCAPE
ROUTES

Where to Meet:

Near the Home

For example, the next door
neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telephone pole

Outside the
Immediate Area

For example, the neighborhood
grocery store parking lot

Establish a place to meet in
the event of an emergency,
such as a fire. Record the
locations here.

FAMILY

COMMUNICATIONS
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one
another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.
Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards
handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child
to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to
notify they are safe.

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Are You Ready?

This is a sample contact
card. Copies to fill out can
be found in Appendix C.
Also in Appendix C is a
more detailed Family Communications Plan which
should be completed and
posted so the contact information is readily accessible
to all family members.
A copy should also be
included in your family
disaster supplies kit.

UTILITY

SHUT OFF AND SAFETY
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.
Following is some general guidance for shutting off utility service.
Modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your
utility company(ies).

Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks and explosions are
responsible for a significant number of
fires following disasters. It is vital that all
household members know how to shut off
natural gas.

14

Because there are different gas shutoff procedures for different gas meter
configurations, it is important to contact
your local gas company for guidance on
preparation and response regarding gas
appliances and gas service to your home.

1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

Natural gas leaks and explosions are
responsible for a significant number of
fires following disasters. It is vital that all
household members know how to shut
off natural gas. Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different
gas meter configurations, it is important
to contact your local gas company for
guidance on preparation and response
regarding gas appliances and gas service
to your home.

When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information
with everyone in your household. Be sure
not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or
hissing noise, open a window and get
everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas,
using the outside main valve if you
can, and call wthe gas company from a
neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home.

Caution
If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt
to turn the gas back on yourself.

Water
Water quickly becomes a precious
resource following many disasters. It is
vital that all household members learn
how to shut off the water at the main
house valve.
Cracked lines may pollute the water
supply to your house. It is wise to shut off
your water until you hear from authorities
that it is safe for drinking.
The effects of gravity may drain the
water in your hot water heater and toilet
tanks unless you trap it in your house by
shutting off the main house valve (not
the street valve in the cement box at the
curbâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this valve is extremely difficult to
turn and requires a special tool).

Preparing to Shut Off Water
1. Locate the shut-off valve for the water
line that enters your house. It may
look like this.
2. Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be
rusted open, or it may only partially
close. Replace it if necessary.
3. Label this valve with a tag for easy
identification, and make sure all
household members know where it
is located.

WAT

ER VALVE

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Are You Ready?

Electricity
Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach
all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.
Preparing to Shut Off Electricity
1. Locate your electricity circuit box.
2. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the
entire house.

For Your Safety
Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

INSURANCE
AND VITAL RECORDS

Obtain property, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is
required for you and your family for all possible hazards.

Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to reduce your risk of flood
loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value of a building and its contents will not only provide
greater peace of mind, but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs. You can call 1(888)FLOOD29 to
learn more about flood insurance.

Inventory Home Possessions
Make a record of your personal property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of
the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory.
You may also want to download the free Household and Personal Property Inventory Book
from the University of Illinois at www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/abstracts/ahouseinv.html to help
you record your possessions.

16

1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

Important Documents
Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other
important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make
copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit.

Money
Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis.
It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or travelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s checks at home in a safe place
where you can quickly access them in case of evacuation.

SPECIAL

NEEDS

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take
additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

Disability/â&#x20AC;&#x160;Special
Need

Additional Steps

Hearing Impaired

May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.

Mobility Impaired

May need special assistance to get to a shelter.

Single working parent

May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.

Non-English
speaking persons

May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help
keep people informed.

People without
vehicles

May need to make arrangements for transportation.

People with special
dietary needs

Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.

17

Are You Ready?

Planning for Special Needs
If you have special needs
1. Find out about special assistance that
may be available in your community.
Register with the office of emergency
services or the local fire department
for assistance so needed help can
be provided.
2. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you
in an emergency. Discuss your needs
and make sure everyone knows how to
operate necessary equipment.
3. Discuss your needs with
your employer.
4. If you are mobility impaired and live
or work in a high-rise building, have
an escape chair.

5. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark
accessible exits clearly and to make
arrangements to help you leave
the building.
6. Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen,
catheters, medication, food for service
animals, and any other items you
might need.
7. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
8. Keep a list of the type and model
numbers of the medical devices
you require.

CARING
FOR ANIMALS

Animals also are affected by disasters. Use the guidelines below to prepare a plan for caring
for pets and large animals.

Take the following steps to prepare to shelter your pet
1. Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control
office to get advice and information.
2. Keep veterinary records to prove vaccinations are current.
3. Find out which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities
are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities
close.
4. Know that, with the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in
emergency shelters as they may affect the health and safety of other occupants.

Guidlines for Large Animals
If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs on your property, be
sure to prepare before a disaster.
Use the following guidelines
1. Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
2. Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes
in advance.
3. Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each
type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.

Note
It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less
frightened and easier to move.
rivers.
4. Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.
5. If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large
animals to shelter or turn them outside.

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Are You Ready?

SAFETY

SKILLS

It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how
to use a fire extinguisher.

Learn First Aid and CPR
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information
about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under
the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.

Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides,
under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.
Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You
should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.

20

1.1 Getting Informed

ASSEMBLE
A DISASTER
SUPPLIES KIT

1.3

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your
own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three
days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but
they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might
take days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones
maybe cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at
a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the
opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household
may need in the event of a disaster.

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Are You Ready?

KIT

LOCATIONS
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies
for home, work, and vehicles.

Home
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three
days. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home
quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, you may want to
consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.
Work
This kit should be in one container, and ready to “grab and go” in case you are evacuated from
your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable
walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.
Car
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain
food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

WATER
How Much Water Do I Need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person
needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account.
• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet,
and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.

22

1.3 Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you
purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do
not open it until you need to use it.
Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
If you are preparing your own containers of water
• It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus
or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water,
thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container
with water.
• If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two –liter plastic soft
drink bottles — not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit
juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from
these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water
is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for
long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can
break and are heavy.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
• Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
• Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle
so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the
sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling Water Containers
• Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything
else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or
water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid
household chlorine bleach to the water.
• Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the
cap by touching the inside of it with your fi nger. Place a date on the outside of the
container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.
• Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

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Are You Ready?

FOOD
The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole graincereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration,
cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on
hand. Be sure to include a manual can opener.
• Include special dietary needs.

BASIC

DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit
• Three – day supply of non –
perishable food.

• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.

• Three – day supply of water — one
gallon of water per person, per day.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will
not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one
complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
• Jacket or coat.

• Sturdy shoes.

• Long pants.

• Hat, mittens, and scarf.

• Long sleeve shirt.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes. See Appendix B for a
detailed checklist of disaster supplies. You may want to add some of the items listed to
your basic disaster supplies kit depending on the specific needs of you family.

MANAGING
YOUR DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they aresafe to
use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition.
• Keep canned foods in a dry place
where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from
pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that
becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and
replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.

• Change stored food and water supplies
every six months. Be sure to write the
date you store it on all containers.
• Re –think your needs every year
and update your kit as your family
needs change.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and
put your entire disaster supplies kit
in one or two easy-to-carry containers,
such as an unused trashcan, camping
backpack, or duffel bag.

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Are You Ready?

1.4

SHELTER
Taking shelter is critical in times of
disaster. Sheltering is appropriate
when conditions equire that you seek
protection in your home, place of
employment, or other location where
you are when disaster strikes. Sheltering outside the hazard area would
include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging, or
staying in a mass care facility operated
by disaster relief groups in conjunction with local authorities.
To effectively shelter, you must first
consider the hazard and then choose
a place in your home or other building
that is safe for that hazard. For example, for a tornado, a room should be
selected that is in a basement or an
interior room on the lowest level away
from corners, windows, doors and
outside walls. Because the safest locations to seek shelter vary by hazard,
sheltering is discussed in the various
hazard sections. These discussions
include recommendations for sealing
the shelter if the hazards warrants this
type of protection.

26

Even though mass care shelters often
provide water, food, medicine, and
basic sanitary facilities, you should
plan to take your disaster supplies kit
with you so you will have the supplies
you require. Mass care sheltering can
involve living with many people in a
confined space, which can be diffi cult
and unpleasant. To avoid conflicts in
this stressful situation, it is important
to cooperate with shelter managers
and others assisting them. Keep in
mind that alcoholic beverages and
weapons are forbidden in emergency
shelters and smoking is restricted.
The length of time you are required to
shelter may be short, such as during
a tornado warning, or long, such as
during a winter storm. It is important that you stay in shelter until local
authorities say it is safe to leave.
Additionally, you should take turns
listening to radio broadcasts and
maintain a 24â&#x20AC;&#x160;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;hour safety watch.
During extended periods of sheltering, you will need to manage water
and food supplies to ensure you and
your family have the required supplies
and quantities. Guidance on how to
accomplish this follows.

1.4 Shelter

MANAGING
WATER

Essentials
Allow people to drink according to their
needs. Many people need even more than
the average of one-half gallon, per day.
The individual amount needed depends
on age, physical activity, physical condition, and time of year. Never ration water
unless ordered to do so by authorities.
Drink the amount you need today and
try to fi nd more for tomorrow. Under no
circumstances should a person drink less
than one quart (four cups) of water each
day. You can minimize the amount of
water your body needs by reducing activity
and staying cool.
Drink water that you know is not contaminated first. If necessary, suspiciouswater,
such as cloudy water from regular faucets
or water from streamsor ponds, can be
used after it has been treated. If water
treatment is not possible, put off drinking
suspicious water as long as possible, but
do not become dehydrated.
Do not drink carbonated beverages instead
of drinking water. Carbonated beverages
do not meet drinking-water requirements.
Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate
the body, which increases the need for
drinking water.

Turn off the main water valves. You will
need to protect the water sources already
in your home from contamination if you
hear reports of broken water or sewage
lines, or if local offi cials advise you of
a problem. To close the incoming water
source, locate the incoming valve and
turn it to the closed position. Be sure you
and other family members know how to
perform this important procedure.
1. To use the water in your pipes, let air
into the plumbing by turning on the
faucet in your home at the highest
level. A small amount of water will
trickle out. Then obtain water from the
lowest faucet in the home.
2. To use the water in your hot-water
tank, be sure the electricity or gas is
off, and open the drain at the bottom
of the tank. Start the water flowing by
turning off the water intake valve at
the tank and turning on the hotwater
faucet. Refi ll the tank before turning
the gas or electricity back on. If the
gas is turned off, a professional will be
needed to turn it back on.

27

Are You Ready?

Water Sources
Safe Sources

Unsafe Sources

Melted ice cubes

Radiators

Water drained from the water heater

Hot water boilers

(if the water heater has not been damaged)

(home heating system)

Liquids from canned goods such as fruit
or vegetable juices

Water beds
(fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the
vinyl may make water unsafe to use)

Water drained from pipes
Water from the toilet bowl or flush tank
Swimming pools and spas
(chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated
for safe drinking but can be used for personal
hygiene, cleaning, and related uses)

Water Treatment
Review
How Should
I Store Water,
Section 1.3

Treat all water of uncertain quality before
using it for drinking, food washing or
preparation, washing dishes, brushing
teeth, or making ice. In addition to having
a bad odor and taste, contaminated water
can contain microorganisms (germs) that
cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera,
typhoid, and hepatitis.
There are many ways to treat water. None
is perfect. Often the best solution is a
combination of methods. Before treating,
let any suspended particles settle to the
bottom or strain them through coffee
filters or layers of clean cloth.

28

Make sure you have the necessary materials in your disaster supplies kit for the
chosen water treatment method.
There are three water treatment methods.
They are as follows
1. Boiling
2. Chlorination
3. Distillation
These instructions are for treating water
of uncertain quality in an emergency situation, when no other reliable clean water
source is available, or you have used all of
your stored water.

1.4 Shelter

Boiling
Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool
before drinking.
Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth
between two clean containers. This also will improve the taste of stored water.
Chlorinatiton
You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid
bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color
safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Because the potency of bleach diminishes with
time, use bleach from a newly opened or unopened bottle.
Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. The
water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn’t, then repeat the dosage and let stand another
15 minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.
Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores
that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not
recommended and should not be used.
Distillation
While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will
remove microbes (germs) that resist these methods, as well as heavy metals, salts, and most
other chemicals.
Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting only the vapor that condenses. The condensed vapor will not include salt or most other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water.
Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is
upside – down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.

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Are You Ready?

Effectiveness of Water Treatment Methods
Kills Microbes
Removes other contaiminants
(heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals)

Eat foods from cans that
are swollen, dented, or
corroded, even though
the product may look safe
to eat

Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently
with soap and water that has been boiled
or disinfected

Eat any food that looks or
smells abnormal, even if
the can looks normal

Use only pre-prepared canned baby formula
for infants

Use powdered formulas
with treated water

Discard any food that has come into contact with
contaminated floodwater

Let garbage accumulate
inside, both for fire and
sanitation reasons

Keep cooking and eating utensilsclean

Discard any food that has been atroom temperature
for two hours or more
Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color,
or texture

Note
Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.” It can be re-frozen if it still contains
ice crystals. To be safe, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

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1.4 Shelter

Cooking
Alternative cooking sources in times of emergency include candle warmers, chafing
dishes, fondue pots, or a fireplace.
Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only.
Commercially canned food may be eaten out of the can without warming.
To heat food in a can
1. Remove the label.
2. Thoroughly wash and disinfect the can.
(Use a diluted solution of one part bleach to ten parts water)

3. Open the can before heating.

Managing Without Power
Here are two options for keeping food safe if you are without power for a long period:
1. Look for alternate storage space for your perishable food.
2. Use dry ice. Twenty– five pounds of dry ice will keep a 10 – cubic –foot freezer
below freezing for 3 – 4 days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy
gloves to avoid injury.

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Are You Ready?

Hazardâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Specific
Preparedness

1.5

There are actions that should be taken before, during, and after an event that are
unique to each hazard. For example, seeking a safe shelter during a tornado, or
reducing property loss from a hurricane.
Information about the specific hazards and what to do for each is provided in
Parts 2, 3, and 4. Study the material for those hazards that you identified in Section
1.1 as the ones that have happened or could happen. Share the hazardâ&#x20AC;&#x160;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;specific
information with family members and include pertinent material from these parts
in your family disaster plan.

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Are You Ready?

1.1 Getting Informed

Practicing and
Maintaining
Your Plan

1.6

Once you have developed your plan, you need to practice and maintain it. For
example, ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places,
phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills such as drop, cover, and hold on
for earthquakes. Test fire alarms. Replace and update disaster supplies.

33

Are You Ready?

MORE
INFORMATION

FEMA Publications
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book.

Food and Water in an Emergency.

FEMA-243. Coloring book for ages 3-10. Also
available in Spanish.

L-210 If an earthquake, hurricane, winter
storm, or other disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food,
water, and electricity for days, or even weeks.
By taking some time now to store emergency
food and water supplies, you can provide for
your entire family. Also available online at
www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf.

Before Disaster Strikes.
FEMA A-291. Contains information about how
to make sure you are financially prepared to deal
with a natural disaster. Also available in Spanish.

The Adventures of Julia and Robbie:
Disaster Twins.
FEMA-344. A collection of disaster related stories.
Includes information on preparedness and how to
mitigate against disasters.

FEMA for Kids.
L-229. Provides information about what FEMA
(specifically fema.gov) has to offer children.

Community Shelter.

Helping Children Cope with Disaster.
FEMA L-196. Helps families understand
how to help children cope with disaster and
its aftermath.

Assisting People with Disabilities in
a Disaster.
Information about helping people with disabilities in a disaster and resources for individuals
with disabilities. Available online at www.fema.
gov/rrr/assistf.shtm.

FEMA 361. Contains guidelines for constructing
mass shelters for public refuge in schools, hospitals, and other places.

Red Cross Publications
Publications Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events.
A school curriculum designed to help alleviate worries and clear up confusion about perceived and actual
threats to safety. Available online at www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/facingfear, or contact your local Red
Cross chapter.